Air Fryer Chips: Perfect Timing For Crunchy Treats

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, using less oil to cook food. You can cook chips in an air fryer in as little as 20 minutes, and they come out crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The length of time it takes to cook chips in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the chips and the type of air fryer you have.

Soaking/washing potatoes

Soaking and washing potatoes is an important step in the process of making chips in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your potatoes:

Soaking Potatoes:

• Soaking potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, which can prevent the potatoes from burning before they are fully cooked. Aim to soak them for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours if you have the time.
• If you are short on time, simply rinsing the potatoes in water can also help to remove some of the starch.
• After soaking or rinsing, make sure to pat the potatoes dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen roll before proceeding to the next step.

Preparing Potatoes for Air Frying:

• Depending on your preference, you can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. Leaving the skin on adds texture and some extra vitamins to your dish.
• Cut the potatoes into chip-sized pieces. You can make them thicker for chunky chips or thinner for French fries, depending on your preference.
• Transfer the potatoes to a bowl or saucepan of water and give them a good rinse to ensure any remaining starch is removed.
• Once rinsed, use a kitchen towel or tea towel to pat the potatoes dry.

Now that your potatoes are clean, dry, and prepared, you can proceed to the next steps of air frying, including adding oil and seasonings, and cooking to perfection!

Oil and seasoning

You can air fry chips without oil, but they will taste better with at least a few sprays or a tablespoon of oil. You can use your hands to ensure the chips are covered, or toss them in a bowl. A neutral-tasting oil is best, such as rapeseed, sunflower, vegetable, or olive oil.

You can season the chips before or after cooking. It's best to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favourite. You can try paprika, curry powder, chip seasoning, season-all, salt, pepper, garlic granules, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne or a Fajita or Cajun blend. You could also add Parmesan towards the end of the cooking time for some extra indulgence.

Air fryer settings

To make chips in an air fryer, you should first prepare your potatoes. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, but if you do peel them, make sure to save the skin to make air fryer potato peels as a snack. The best types of potatoes to use are floury potatoes such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster.

After preparing the potatoes, you should slice them into chip-like shapes. The size of the slices will depend on your personal preference. If you want crispy chips, cut them into thin slices, and for chunky chips, cut thicker slices. Try to avoid uneven slices as they won't cook evenly.

Once you have your potato slices, add them to a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or sunflower oil. You can also add salt and other seasonings like paprika, garlic salt, or chilli flakes to the bowl. Shake the bowl vigorously to ensure that the oil and seasonings are evenly distributed among the potatoes.

Now it's time to place the potatoes into the air fryer. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you might need to preheat it first. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the air fryer temperature to between 190°C/375°F and 205°C. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chips and your desired level of crispiness, but it usually ranges from 20 to 25 minutes.

During the cooking process, remember to shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking and prevent the chips from sticking. If you want your chips extra crispy, you can add a little more oil halfway through the cooking time.

Once the chips are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them fresh.

Tips and Tricks

• Soaking the potatoes in water before air frying is optional. Some people do it to remove excess starch, but it's not necessary, and the outcome may not warrant the extra effort and time.
• If you want to make thin, straight chips, you can trim the potatoes into rectangular blocks before slicing them into batons.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will help prevent the chips from turning soggy and ensure they get crispy.
• You can cook frozen chips in an air fryer, and the cooking time will depend on the type of chip and your air fryer model.
• If you have a dual air fryer, you can cook chips on one side and another dish on the other side simultaneously!

Potato varieties

The best potatoes for air fryer chips are those with high starch content, which helps them crisp up. The following varieties are recommended:

• Idaho/Russet potatoes
• Yukon Gold potatoes
• Maris Piper
• King Edward
• Rooster

Russet potatoes are drier and starchier than other types of potatoes, which makes them ideal for air frying. They are also rich in fibre and antioxidants. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good substitute, as they are somewhere in between waxy and starchy.

If you want to make sweet potato chips, be aware that they will not be as crispy as russets.

For the perfect chip, cut the potatoes into thin slices, about 1cm thick. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for a more rustic feel.

Avoiding sogginess

There are several ways to prevent your chips from becoming soggy when using an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure your chips come out crispy and delicious:

Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

It is important not to overload the air fryer basket with too many chips. While the chips can touch and be placed on top of each other, avoid squeezing in too many. This allows the hot air to circulate and reach all sides of the chips, resulting in even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Shake the Basket Frequently

During the cooking process, be sure to shake the air fryer basket frequently to ensure that all sides of the chips are exposed to the hot air. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking. Aim to shake the basket at least once every 5 minutes.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Before adding your chips, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 190°C and 200°C. This ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking, resulting in quicker and more even cooking.

Cut the Chips into Similar Sizes

For even cooking, cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces. This ensures that all the chips cook at the same rate. If you want to get fancy, you can use a crinkle cutter to create crinkle-cut chips.

Rinse and Soak the Chips Before Cooking

Rinsing and soaking the chips in cold water before cooking helps to remove excess starch. This step is optional, but it can result in fluffier chips. Be sure to pat the chips dry with a clean towel or paper towels after rinsing or soaking.

Use Oil Sparingly

While oil is not necessary, using a small amount of oil can help improve the texture and taste of your chips. Use a tablespoon of oil or a light spray to coat the chips. Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the chips soggy and greasy.

Season Your Chips

Experiment with different seasonings to enhance the flavour of your chips. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or a variety of seasoning blends. Add the seasonings before cooking to allow the flavours to adhere to the chips during the cooking process.

Check the Chips Regularly

Keep a close eye on your chips during the cooking process and check them regularly to prevent overcooking or burning. Open the air fryer and give the chips a quick shake or stir to prevent uneven cooking.

Adjust the Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of the chips, and your desired level of crispiness. For thinner chips, check on them sooner to avoid burning. For thicker or chunkier chips, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Use a Baking Sheet

If your air fryer has a round basket, consider using a baking sheet. This allows you to arrange the chips in a single layer, preventing overcrowding and ensuring even heating.

Store Chips Properly

If you have leftover chips, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps prevent them from getting soggy or losing their crispiness.

Frequently asked questions